Uber's President Just Quit Suddenly After Six Months

Uber president Jeff Jones abruptly left the crisis-hit company yesterday after just six months in the role. Hours later, the Vice President of Maps Brian McClendon also jumped ship.

The reason for his sudden departure is disputed – while the BBC's been told he was upset at not being considered for Chief Operating Officer, Recode reports that it was to do with the constant PR headaches hitting the firm lately. Jones himself told the website:

"I joined Uber because of its Mission, and the challenge to build global capabilities that would help the company mature and thrive long-term.

It is now clear, however, that the beliefs and approach to leadership that have guided my career are inconsistent with what I saw and experienced at Uber, and I can no longer continue as president of the ride sharing business.

There are thousands of amazing people at the company, and I truly wish everyone well."

Ouch. That's the nicest possible way of saying it's a company full of – as Arianna Huffington famously put it – "brilliant jerks."

CEO Travis Kalanick, who was recently caught on camera blaming an Uber driver for his bankruptcy, sent the whole company an email bemoaning the fact that "this was announced through the press" before anyone at the company had much of a chance to react. It sounds like Jones pretty much said "kthxbye" and left the building.

We asked Uber for a comment, and they said:

“We want to thank Jeff for his six months at the company and wish him all the best.”